Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the beautiful men within. There goes my fantasy harem. Ah well!
Thank yous go too Naomi Wagner and Geekmom13 who made sure this story was understandable.
Triggers: Political Alliance. Espionage. Marriage being used as an insurance policy for freedom.
Thank yous go to: IndigoBirds, pgoodrichboggs, MarciKyle, Alexa Sixt, coalo, Gunnhildde. For reviewing x
Mon Le Chevalier Noir
A Genteel Rebellion
After that night, Hermione was no longer left alone by anyone. Ninny managed to fatten her up and build her strength up. Narcissa kept breezing in at half three in the afternoon for a tête-à-tête, helped along by pots of tea and a tray filled with savoury and sweet finger food. Whatever Narcissa found to talk to her about Hermione could only imagine. Then one afternoon she sighed and turned to her charge.
"What is the matter, Cissa?" Hermione never liked mentioning her by name but her 'hostess' insisted. Narcissa had rose elegantly from her seat in a rush, whereupon she bustled over to the window, looking out on the driveway where the Dark Lord was Apparating. "HE wishes to see you but first I must speak to you on a matter of importance."
Hermione straightened her pale lilac acromantula silk robes made for her by Madame Dentelle - a High End Witches couturière from France – who now held permanent residence in Malfoy Manor. Only for the reason that Hermione may be presented in a permanent state of perfection at everylittle gathering the young witch was forced to attend. Otherwise her friends below would suffer, that was why she had not attempted an escape. She may have been granted her wand but the wards on the Manor limited its use.
"Pray, Cissa, what is on your mind?"
"I want you to tell me why my sister could have made a fuss over the possibility of you and your... companions... could have been in her vault?"
"I have no clue, madam," Hermione said.
She had learnt fast, Narcissa could give her that. Miss Granger's ability to adapt would have made her a wonderful Slytherin. Goodness knows her son's exam results could have benefited if she was a member of their noble house. Still, now the Dark Lord had been summoned, Narcissa had to work those treacherous musings out of her head. Hermione rightly supposed her life of comfort would be over. Unless she betrayed her friends, that was something she could never do.
"I am an Occlumens and a Legilimens," Narcissa said calmly as if she was remarking on the weather. "You know what that means do you not?"
"You could just rummage around in my brain to find out what we are all up to?" Hermione surmised.
"Just so, Hermione, our Lord is a powerful Legilimens, few can withstand him. You are far better just confessing to me."
"So you can inform him and..."
"My son, Hermione, is hating being at school now. I will not delve further into that particular matter," she soothed her dress skirts. "It is a safe presumption that you are working on a way to end the war once and for all, are you not?"
Hermione nodded, not daring herself to speak. How bad was this going to be? How was she going to take it? Would her friends call her a traitor? She had been in the lap of luxury for a month now, it was April the 15th and there was something in the air that Hermione could not put her finger on. She watched the elegant blonde witch as all her own thoughts were whirling in her mind, a tempest of what-ifs and should I's battled against the shores of common sense. Narcissa smiled at Hermione and glided up to her, suddenly Hermione thought of Morticia Adams – in the end Morticia also loved her children even though she was darkly inclined.
"You want to help, do you not?" Hermione gasped.
Narcissa lowered her lashes and silently nodded: "My son is all Lucius and I will ever have. We tried years before him you know. No amount of potions or hospital visits could help. Do not think Lucius hates Arthur for his politics, the reality is intricately more complex than that."
"Arthur and Molly, though poor, has managed to have seven magically strong and healthy children," Hermione sighed. "My parents share that trial with you and Lucius. I am all they could ever have too – I took that away from them to protect them."
Narcissa had been informed of Hermione's decision and execution of her of her parents memories. Lucius hushed her to sleep that night. Both had sworn to reunite her with her parents the night after the war had ended. "I have many reasons why I want this war to end but Draco's safety is my overall concern."
"Understandable."
Hermione chewed her lower lip, earning an eye-roll from her hostess. It would take longer to stop her guest of that habit, Narcissa sighed as she thought of how much more effort would go into refining Hermione. Yet, she smiled, she had mastered so much already. It was not the girl's fault she was birthed in the gutter. Some, she conceded, deserved to be at Hogwarts. This one did, she was still on the fence about Lily Evans. The woman could have had the finest mind wrapped in a delicious package for a husband but she stupidly fell into Potter's arms. There was a touch more class to Miss Granger than there ever was to Lily Evans.
"I wish to protect Draco. I do not want the Dark Lord to win. So if it is in my power to assist, I wish to do all I can towards that venture."
Hermione prided herself on being able to read people. If Lucius was sitting here she may have doubted but she could and would not doubt the words of a mother in desperation for her only child.
"I do not know where the sword came from," she said. "However, I am well aware how hard it is to steal from Gringotts. I am hailed as the Brightest Witch of my Age – yet I am not suicidal," Narcissa smirked at that comment. "I want to live. I want to be able to be a mother myself someday," she sighed as she put a small lemon and lime Battenburg in her mouth with a sip of earl grey. "A wand oath, Narcissa, then I will tell you."
Narcissa nodded in agreement of the wand vow codicil, pleased the young witch showed a modicum of practicality about her. Gracefully Narcissa swished her wand out of her fine dress sleeve and moved it in circular motions in the air smiling when the tip began to glow.
"I, Narcissa Malfoy, do hereby consent to this wand oath set by Hermione J Granger."
Hermione followed the movements Narcissa made and when her wand tip glowed Hermione gazed into Narcissa's eyes: "I, Hermione J Granger; do swear Mrs Narcissa Malfoy, to secrecy involving the activities pertaining to Hermione J Granger, Harry J Potter and Ronald B Weasley. She must protect the three bound by this oath. Does Narcissa Malfoy agree to these terms?"
Narcissa arched an eyebrow impressed with how the brunette witch worded her oath. Basically forcing her to protect the sons of her mortal and dead enemies.
"I consent to the terms of the oath set by Hermione J Granger," Narcissa said confidently.
The wands both glowed green as the Oath took form in their cores.
"Now I have protected myself and my friends I shall tell you," Hermione smoothed her skirt over. "The Dark Lord has been dabbling in the darkest of magic, discovered by Herpo the Foul. At school he enquired of Slughorn what Horcruxes were. He killed a Ravenclaw Muggleborn to make his first Horcrux – the diary. The diary you planned to plant on Harry. Instead Lucius decided to be pettier than usual and swapped it for Ginny's own diary instead. Harry destroyed it with a basilisk fang, the same basilisk was destroyed by a Phoenix and the sword. Gryffindor, a warrior wizard, imbued the sword with the power to soak in anything that would make it a more formidable weapon. Now the sword is a way to destroy other Horcruxes. The Gaunt family ring. The locket of Salazar Slytherin – something of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws and we suspect Nagini too."
Narcissa sucked in her breath over this succinct but clear history lesson. Her eyes widened in surprise. If Nagini held a piece of the Dark Lord's soul...? No one was strong enough or brave enough to get near that unnatural serpent.
"Would it surprise you to learn I dated a Ravenclaw before I married Lucius?"
"No it would not," Hermione said, "it would make more sense than you dating a Hufflepuff."
Narcissa smiled a little: "Quite, my Ravenclaw often spoke to the Grey Lady, apparently she would tell anyone who would listen, that she was killed at dastardly hands by a power hungry wretch of a wizard. I was telling some friends of mine this in our common room when the Bloody Baron floated over to my group."
Hermione leant forward eager to hear what Narcissa had to say: "Did that frighten you?"
"Oh no, he's a perfect gentleman when you get to know him," Narcissa insisted. "He filled me in on how he died. Helena died because she was the power hungry wretch, the Bloody Baron just wanted her home."
"Helena as in..." Hermione's eyes were like saucers. "As in Helena Ravenclaw... what did she..."
"Her mother had a diadem. It would impart natural knowledge to all those who wore it," Narcissa said.
Hermione was stunned: "Where did this take place?"
"Albania."
"Quirrell," Hermione breathed.
"Pardon," Narcissa blinked thoroughly confused.
"Professor Quirrell," Hermione said. "He told Harry he met the Dark Lord's spirit in Albania he was there to... to check on... Which means that the Diadem could be in the school and I think I know where. What did Hufflepuff have that was of importance?"
"She was the fecund one. She liked to provide good food and wine. She was the carer of the children so she would have some vessel that could..."
"A CUP of course," Hermione cried. There was a permanent silencing charm in this room considering how often Scabior had visited her. "Hufflepuff had the Cornucopia Cup! Hogwarts: a History, you have yet to fail me!"
Narcissa chuckled at how excited the young witch had suddenly become. Well, she was happy now at least. The girl was now hurriedly pacing in the room.
"Well, HE gave the diary to you to look after, is it possible HE'D trust Bellatrix with something else?"
"Like what?" Narcissa sighed.
"Like Hufflepuffs cup. The diadem is most likely at the school," Hermione was thinking. "Nagini is near him and will not be destroyed easily."
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Rabastan has been flirting with me. Do you think he'd destroy the cup with Fiendfyre or the sword if it still..."
"We have it still," Narcissa assured her.
Hermione's smile became a mile wide and her eyes sparkled prettily in her excitement. "If I promised Rabastan he could sleep with me do you think that he would destroy the cup?"
"Hmm, he may require something more from the way he cannot stop talking about how his petit minou is just the most beautiful thing he could see."
"What would he desire?"
"The Lestrange name is in danger," Narcissa said. "I could get Severus to brew the Fecundus potion to ensure your pregnancy..."
"Not sure," Hermione faltered.
Logically the protein and carb potions she has been drinking to supplement her food and increase her appetite must have been made by Severus, she was still a little doubtful over his loyalties. Although she was not certain he is as black-hearted as Harry was determined to make himself out to be. Her weight had come back to what it was before they snatched the locket.
"Rabastan is dreaming of fulfilling what his brother could not with Bella."
Hermione visibly shuddered at the thought of Bellatrix being a mother. It was a stretch to imagine the woman as anything remotely human.
"If this is the price I have to pay to end the war then so be it," Hermione sighed.
"You welcome Scabior to your bed, Rabastan has more genteel manners about him," Narcissa said primly. "You need to be worshipped by a proper Pureblood."
Shaking her head with amusement Hermione glanced again at Narcissa. "Could I ask Harry to come up here, please? Allow him to get back to the school. I will explain to him our reasoning."
Narcissa nodded: "Yes, I shall arrange that the moment you begin to charm to Rabastan."
"Fine," Hermione sighed. "Ninny!"
"How cans Ninny serves Mistress?" the elf bowed low.
"Could you please bring Mr Rabastan Lestrange to my quarters."
"Straights here or...?"
"Walk him to the door, propriety must be observed," Hermione said, to Narcissa's approval.
"Ninny hears and obeys."
Moments later Ninny was standing outside with a bemused and sleep ruffled Rabastan. The Dark Lord had not called him to his side yet. Thank goodness for that, as he was uncertain over how he felt about the cause now. Azkaban was bad enough the first time around and he did not wish to be kissed. The thought made him shudder with fear.
Hermione opened the door and allowed him in her chambers now empty of Narcissa: "Miss Granger, you are looking well," Rabastan bowed and planted a kiss on her proffered hand. "What do you wish for me, mon petit minou?"
Hermione blushed a little. To be considered a kitten was always a turn-on for her, but to hear it spoken in deep bass French... did soak her knickers a little.
"Rabastan, I have a proposition for you," she said as she directed him further into the room. Ninny, a strict elf, stood in the shadows making sure bad wizard treated her mistress with respect. "How are your feelings for a pro-Dark Lord world?"
"Not favourable, Miss Granger," Rabastan said as he crossed his legs and sank back in the dark violet velvet seat. He looked like he was a King. "I value my mind. I regret many things. One of those was torturing the Longbottoms. Believe it or not, Rod and I wanted to just scare them a little, most of the torture was caused by the madness of Bellatrix and her protégé, Barty Crouch Jr."
"I believe you," she said as she glanced at how sane he was after Azkaban. Sirius said that was proof of innocence.
"We believe the Dark Lord has given your sister in law something of his to hide in your vault. It is a Founders Artefact. One that was innocent. Helga was a carer, a mother earth creature, that is why her banner is the Badger. The witch imbued a golden cup that was able to multiply whatever food or liquid it held. A cornucopia for the masses for a time when food was scarce amongst the poor. It is placed in the Lestrange vault and..."
"You wish me to retrieve said item and destroy it do you not?"
Hermione nodded: "It is a Horcrux and can be destroyed by only two methods, Basilisk venom or Fiendfyre."
"Hmm," he tapped his thin but sensual lips with the tips of his elegant middle fingers. "What is in it for me?"
"I am aware your line will die with you and Rodolphus," Hermione said seriously. "If you destroy the cup of Hufflepuff, it would not only earn you your freedom for I would guarantee it – as your prize – I am of fertile age. I am aware there is a frisson between us. I would proudly carry the child of my chevalier noir."
Rabastan smirked, his sea green eyes darkened lustily at the witch before him. "Only if you marry me," he said. "You must take a potion that ensures pregnancy," he said. "Severus can brew one up – it will take 24hrs," Hermione nodded. "I also want proof of pregnancy before I risk my life for this venture."
"I agree but I must also have some sort of insurance on you too," Hermione said as she gracefully sat down in the matching chair opposite Rabastan's constantly smirking face.
"What sort of insurance, minou?"
"I must see the cup with my own eyes before I allow you in my bed, Rabastan."
"It will be done as soon as possible," he said. "Pleasure doing business with you," he rose from his seat. Hermione gulped as she saw how dangerously closely he resembled a cheetah due to the confidence of his swift long legged strides. "Good day, my future Lady Lestrange," he smirked and winked at her as she tried to control her sexual impulses.
Where the hell was Scabior when she needed him?
Meanwhile, down in the dungeons, Narcissa briefly admired the lean body of Dean Thomas appreciatively licking her lips. With a sad sigh, the blonde slowly turned her head to look at Harry, who was not bad looking in his own right. She was thrilled that her promise to treat the prisoners well paid off in aesthetics.
With the assurance that they were fed good food three times a day made Ron happy at least. Harry stubbornly refused to eat at first. After seeing how well Dean, Luna, Ollivander, and Ron looked he caved in. His dreams were still haunted by images of Ginny lying motionless in the puddle of water contracting hypothermia. He was nonplussed about why Narcissa was here.
"I must admit," she spoke quietly. "That we have underestimated you and Miss Granger, Mr Potter. Especially Miss Granger..."
Harry scowled. She may be Sirius cousin but she despised him and Harry found no reason to trust the woman. "Hermione better be unharmed!"
"She is sitting in a boudoir, wearing the finest of dresses, looked after by her own house-elf and we converse freely all the time. Miss Granger is a wonderful witch, a daughter I would have been proud to carry in this world."
Harry and Ron exchanged bemused glances mixed with light frowns marring their brows.
"What is she doing?" Harry asked.
"Negotiating with us on how to help win the war," Narcissa said cryptically. "She has asked for Mr Potter to be delivered to her room. So when an elf named Ninny comes, she will take you..."
Just then Ninny popped by Harry's side offering a little smile at the Boy Who Lived.
"Mistress friend Harry must comes."
Without a chance for him to say no Ninny took hold of Harry's hand and snapped her fingers. Before long he found himself in a sumptuously decorated Teal set of rooms. Hermione appeared resplendent wearing a shimmering set of lilac robes that brought out her beautiful brown eyes. The colour immediately made his heart ache for Ginny.
"Harry," she welcomed warmly, hugging him close to her. Good to her promise, Narcissa had kept Bellatrix at bay and he looked pretty good. "How are you?"
"Hermione," Harry warned. "Mrs Malfoy has already told us you have been negotiating, what have you done?"
A little smirk graced her lips and Harry shuddered. She had become almost Slytherin-esque in his absence. "Have you ever heard of Mata Hari?" she asked.
"Can't say I have," Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"Ah," she led Harry to a light blue silk wing backed chair by the fire she invited him to sit with an ecumenically graceful gesture. "Well, she was a spy who used her body to get powerful men to spill their secrets. An intelligent woman nonetheless," Hermione smiled. "I have been on the receiving end of Rabastan's charms for over a month now and have decided to utilise this in our favour. I can give him what HE cannot!"
"You do know HE'S here, HE can sense me here too."
Hermione nodded. "I shall just have to explain when the war is won then," she said. "Ninny," Hermione whispered.
Ninny popped back into the room: "How may Is serve Mistress?"
"Please take Harry Potter to Hogwarts where he will find what once was lost but can be found if one wishes three times as hard for it to be discovered... He must then enter serpents lair with the object in hand allowing poison to seep out what should not be."
Harry's eyes shot up into his hairline: "That sounds like something Luna would say!"
"What house is Luna in?"
"Ravenclaw but..."
"Seek the Gray Lady," she sighed. "Then destroy what must be where what we fight for may be won."
Harry nodded as he puzzled out what his sister had said to him. Hermione had brought out her beaded bag and offered him the map and the invisibility cloak: "I wish you could come with me," he sighed.
"Do not sway from the course. Do not be distracted. I do not care what you see – you must remain as on point as you are when seeking the snitch, got it?"
"Yes Hermione," he said. "Believe me, I know what is at stake here." Images of Ginny's blood ridden body floated in front of him. Hermione was right – this was not the time for hot-headed recklessness. "I will do my best, Hermione."
"That is all anyone can do."
A few hours later Rabastan was back with the cup and Professor Snape whose own eyes widened at the state of Miss Granger. She stood as proudly as any Pureblood. She even had her own house-elf for pity's sake. Lucius was dressing her up and why was she acting like she owned the place? Severus could sense Narcissa's hand in this. He shook his head a little...
It was then he learnt finally to never underestimate a know-it-all.